Breweries unite to celebrate Britain’s love of beer

A brewery in Northamptonshire is teaming up with fellow producers to stage a ‘celebration of beer’ – raising a glass to toast the nation’s favourite tipple.

Blackpit Brewery, based near Silverstone, will hold its first ever Festival of Beer and Brewing on August 18, featuring breweries from around the world, a selection of street food and live music curated by BBC Radio 2 broadcaster ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris.

The event will showcase the very best in brewing, giving local artisan producers such as Towcester Mill Brewery and Blackpit Brewery the platform to share their beers alongside national and international producers including Erdinger and Camden Town Brewery.

Oliver Whiteley, who runs Blackpit Brewery alongside his two best friends Ben Williams and Duncan Wheeler and has seen the company produce 85,000 pints in its first 12 months, said the festival was a chance to ‘hail the hops’ and celebrate beer.

He added: “The beer industry is thriving and the ongoing quest to pour the perfect pint is seeing a new generation of ambitious, creative brewers producing ales fit for the 21stcentury.

“There is tremendous camaraderie in the industry. We might be competing against each other but we feel we are all on the same side, all pulling in the same direction to push the beauty of beer.

“This festival is a celebration of all the brewers out there who are working so hard to make fantastic tasting beer. It’s chance to come together and champion one of this country’s greatest loves.”

Guests will be able to ‘meet the brewer’ and find out more about the ingredients that make up their favourite pint, while seminars and talks will be available for real ale aficianados. A secret ‘pop-up’ bar will be hidden in the woodland surrounding the site and camping will be available.

Blackpit Brewery is situated between Silverstone & Stowe, on Blackpit Farm, in a converted stable yard. In its first 12 months, Blackpit has produced a wide range of ales including Sky Rocket, Loosehead, Cloud Nine, Goshawk and Blackpit Best.

Mr Whiteley added: “Memories are made over a pint and we hope our beers are helping create magical new moments that last a lifetime.”

The festival takes place on Saturday, August 18 from noon. Tickets cost from £9.50 for adults, which includes a free drink, festival guide and takeaway festival pint glass, and are available online. Children are free. Advance booking is recommended.

For more information visit https://blackpitbrewery.co.uk/festival-of-beer-and-brewing

Northampton Life Magazine is an online magazine, and the place to visit for local news and events, whats on in Northampton, and a news from our local businesses. We will also aim to include features such as recipes from our local chefs, and offers and giveaways.